Motorists have been warned that if they flash their car’s headlights to warn other road users about a speed trap then they could be fined. Some drivers may think they are being the good Samaritan, informing other road users about a speed trap but it could land them in hot water. This is usually done if there is a mobile speed camera set up or other similar temporary measures. According to rule 110 of the Highway Code, you shouldn’t flash your car’s headlights to convey messages to other road users.
The rule states: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.
“Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”
It not only goes against what is said in the Highway Code it could also see the driver break the law according to the Police Act of 1996.
The Police Act describes how the motorists could be obstructing a police officer by warning other drivers of the speed trap.
Section two of the act says: “Any person who resists or wilfully obstructs a constable in the execution of his duty, or a person assisting a constable in the execution of his duty, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or to both.”
Drivers caught breaking this law can be handed a fine for this offence of up to a maximum of £1,000.
Research released earlier this year by Confused.com suggests that there could be up to eight million motorists who have committed the offence without being aware of it.